Kulgam, Aug 09 (KNO): Two Army soldiers were killed and as many injured in an ongoing encounter with terrorists in the dense forests of Akhal in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district, which entered its ninth day on Saturday, officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
They said that the soldiers were killed during a heavy exchange of fire late Friday night in the forest area, where terrorists remain holed up in the upper reaches. “Terrorists hurled a grenade at forces, resulting in the death of two soldiers and injuries to two more,” they said.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Chinar Corps paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, stating: “Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts, L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, in the line of duty for the Nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. #IndianArmy expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. Operation continues.”
Sources said loud explosions and heavy gunfire echoed from the forest area throughout the night. Security forces are deploying drones, UAVs, helicopters, and other surveillance equipment to track terrorists believed to be hiding in natural caves. Explosives have also been dropped on suspected hideouts.
Elite para commandos, equipped with advanced gadgets, have joined the operation.
A senior security official said forces are proceeding cautiously to prevent further casualties.
The operation began on August 1 after specific intelligence inputs indicated the presence of terrorists in the Akhal forest area. So far, one terrorist was been killed and 11 security personnel injured since the start of the operation.
Following the initial exchange of fire on August 1, the operation was briefly paused for the night, but the cordon was tightened, and reinforcements were rushed in. The next day, a terrorist was killed, and the encounter has continued since.
Senior police and Army officers, including J&K Police Chief Nalin Prabhat and Army’s Northern Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, are closely monitoring the situation.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha while paying tributes to the fallen soldiers said: “I salute the indomitable courage of our brave hearts L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the motherland. Their valour, grit, and determination will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah laid a wreath and paid rich tribute to the fallen soldiers in Kulgam, calling their sacrifice a source of pride for the nation. “The sacrifices of these valiant soldiers will always be remembered. The government stands firmly with the armed forces and their families,” he said—(KNO)